Two persons have been killed following an attack on #EndSARS protesters in Benin, Edo State capital by armed men.
Several persons have also been injured in the attack on Friday.
It was gathered that some youths called Ogbe Boys who collect revenue for Oredo Local Government Council in the Ring Road motor park accused the protesters of preventing them from collecting money from vehicles using the car park.
“I didn’t join the protest, I was coming from the bank when I met them on the road. Because I held phone in my hand, they started beating me saying I wanted to video them. They collected the phone and I had to run for my life,” an injured person Abere Godswill told the news media.
In a Twitter thread, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki condemned the attack and urged the police to arrest the perpetrators.
“I have just learnt that hoodlums have attacked #ENDSARS protesters, who have conducted themselves peacefully in Benin City. I extend condolences to the victims of the attacks, including those who lost their lives and others who were injured by the thugs,” he wrote.
“It is disheartening that anyone would attack a peaceful assembly of young people who are expressing genuine concerns over police brutality and intimidation in their own country.
“Thorough investigation would be conducted immediately to fish out the culprits of the attack on peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Benin City, and we would do all possible within the law to ensure those culpable are brought to justice.
“I hereby call on the Edo State Police Command to get out on the streets and provide adequate security for the protesters and ensure that no one is harassed in the course of exercising their rights.”
